Personal experience: planned C-section.

So, you’ve been told you need a planned caesarean (C-section) and want to know a little more about what to expect? The below is based on personal experience and should not be deemed as medical advice or guidance. 

A C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. It is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby. A C-section may be recommended as a planned (elective) procedure or done in an emergency if it's thought a vaginal birth is too risky, such as the baby being in a breech position, the presence of certain health conditions in the mother, or a history of previous C-sections. 

A C-section usually involves anaesthesia, such as a spinal block or epidural, to numb the lower half of the body, allowing the mother to remain awake and aware during the birth. The recovery process for a C-section generally takes longer than for a vaginal birth, with specific aftercare to support healing. However, as with any recovery this is very much case-by-case. 

Once your C-section is booked you will go through what to expect and the potential risks with your obstetrician and sign a consent form. This is standard for any procedure and shouldn’t cause you to worry. 

Pre-op

Two days prior to your C-section you’ll be asked to go into the maternity ward for your pre-op appointment. During this appointment you will have your blood pressure taken, blood taken, measured for your compression stockings and if needed they will take a look at the baby using a portable ultrasound machine. You’ll also be given your anti sickness tablets to take ahead of the procedure. It’s a great opportunity to ask any questions too. If you have a phobia of needles or surgery make sure to mention this to the midwife during this appointment. 

You have to fast before your C-section  - this will depend on what time your section is booked for. For example, if you’re booked in for early afternoon you’ll be allowed a light breakfast at 7am and then will fast from that point. You can eat as normal the night before and then will take your first anti sickness tablet and the following tablet the next day. Again, you will be told what time to take these based on the time of your procedure. 

Day of procedure 

On the morning of your section you will go into the hospital and be admitted to the ward and given your hospital bands. If, like me, you have a huge needle phobia, you'll be issued with some numbing cream to help with the insertion of the cannula. In the few hours before your C-section you will meet the midwife, surgeon and anaesthetist who will be in theatre with you and then be told to get into your gown and put on the compression stockings. Get used to the stockings because you’ll be wearing them for the next six weeks! 

When it’s time to go to the theatre you will walk with your midwife and birthing partner to the theatre. Your birthing partner will go into a side room to get into their scrubs and you will be taken into theatre to be prepared for the procedure. 

There are always lots of people in the theatre so don’t panic if you see lots of faces in there! Everyone is doing a different job. 

Once sitting on the operation table you will get a cannula inserted, likely in your hand, some pads will be put on your chest and a clip on your finger to ensure all your stats are measured and monitored throughout. As this is happening you’ll feel the anaesthetist pressing your back, spraying iodine and applying some tape. They will then ask you to sit forward and still as they administer the spinal block. Once that’s been administered you'll be lay down. This can make some people feel a bit sick but that’s normal and you just need to let the anaesthetist know and they will administer some anti-sickness medication which works almost instantly. A curtain is put up (this can be lowered for delivery upon request) and then your catheter is inserted. 

Your birthing partner will then come into the room. They are allowed to bring a phone with them if you want any photos during the procedure or of those first few minutes of the baby's life.

You’ll then be sprayed with a very cold liquid to see if you can feel anything before the insertion is made. You won't feel any pain but will be aware of the sensations and feel some pressure in the area - especially as the baby is lifted out. 

Once the baby has been delivered they will be given to the midwife to complete their checks and administer the Vitamin K injection. Your birth partner can cut the cord now too. Delayed cord clamping is a preference for some people so if you’re not aware of that it’s worth doing some research to see if it’s something you’d like to do. 

Once the checks are complete if you wish to have skin-to-skin this will happen now. Skin-to-skin contact means holding your baby naked against your skin.Given the wires and small area between the mother’s head and the screen this can feel quite claustrophobic for some people. 

This all takes place while you’re being stitched back up. Don’t be alarmed if you see a table with blood stained towels on - this is how they measure your blood loss. 

Recovery room 

Baby will then get taken to the recovery room with your birth partner and you will be moved from the operating table into your hospital bed ready to be wheeled back to the ward. This is a strange experience as you are being rolled given you can’t feel anything from the waist down. 

There will be a dressing on your wound which stays on for a few hours at least. 

You’ll be wearing a pair of compression boots in the bed to reduce blood clots. These will be removed once the sensation is back in your legs. Likely later that night or the following morning - depending on what time you have your c-section. 

In the recovery room you will be given your baby back for more skin-to-skin and for their first feed if you are wanting to breastfeed. You’ll stay in the recovery room for around 40 minutes all being well and then wheeled back to the ward for your well deserved cup of tea and buttery toast! 

Post-op care 

You’ll then be monitored for the remainder of your stay to ensure you’re not in too much pain, too much blood loss, healing well and blood pressure is ok. The midwives will help you with everything and administer the correct pain relief for you. Despite not giving birth vaginally, you will still bleed, and have a heavy period for the next few days and then lighter bleeding for a few weeks. 

Given the fact you’ve had a spinal block you will need to have Clexane injections in your leg for the next ten days to prevent blood clots. These should be given around the same time each day and go in alternative legs each time. These are in special packaging so you never see the needle. You will be given a sharps bin to put the used injections in and then that bin can be returned at your post birth midwife/health visitor appointment. 

Once you’re ready to be mobile the midwives will remove your catheter, this is a little uncomfortable but not painful. Then assuming you can fill two jugs with urine within the timeframe given to you it won't need to be put back in. 

The midwives will also remove your cannula when it is no longer needed. 

The midwives and team in The Jane are fantastic and will help and support you throughout your stay. 

Heading home 

Once you and the midwives believe you’re ready to go home you will be given your discharge notes and Clexane injections and head home. 

You’ll also be told to wear the compression stockings for the next six weeks and cannot drive, do exercise or lift anything heavy during that time. However, it aids your recovery to be as mobile as possible, just take it easy.  Just ensure you proactivly take your pain relief.

The walk from The Jane to the car can be a slow and sore one but it will get easier in the next few days. 

It goes without saying that, if any complications occur during your c-section the medical team will tend to you in the necessary way and therefore will differ from what it outlined above. 

A C-section can also be performed as an emergency procedure if complications arise during labour. In this instant the process would be different to that mentioned above. 

*The above is based on previous experience and should not be used in place of medical advice given.